The bottom line is that I can't believe that a fellow reviewer could consider a 50 plus mile ride on this anvil. I'd sooner ask Pele to kick me in the sac for five or six continuous hours. Truth be told, I didn't give this seat the proper break-in period, but my rump just couldn't handle it! Don't put yourself through this, and DO NOT lay down a nickel for this thing at your LBS. If it comes stock on your rig, swap it out before you leave the shop. At this point, I'd trade mine for a used bottle cage. One flaming hemorhoid for (and thanks to) this seat.

I am not really a racer, but the other categories didn't fit either. I ride my road bike a few times a week on a 15 mile ride to stay in shape to Mt. bike. Anyway, I have a '99 Pave Twintech seat and I can't seem to find a way to make it comfortable. I am 6' and 165 lbs, if this thing is too narrow for me then it must really have a limited market. I will tolerate it until I can afford another seat. If I was going to do a long ride (50+ miles) I would put my old San Marcos SA 600 saddle back on, which is also uncomfortable. Come to think of it, I may do that anyway.Of course, saddles are very subjective and what is uncomforatble to me may be fine for someone else.

Weaknesses: I just can't get comfortable on it, there's no way around it, it's just not the right shape for me. It's made well enough and I have the rest of the bike set up correctly. No matter what I do after an hour in the saddle it get's uncomfortable.

Well, for the first 3 months, I loved this saddle. After an initial break in period, it's comfortable, light and looks great. After logging 2000 miles this summer on it, I never once had a problem with numbness or pressure points.

Then I took it to Alaska for a 5 day, 500 mile charity ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Granted, the weather and conditions were miserable (snow, sleet, torrential rain, gravel, rough roads) and the saddle was probably not designed for such extreme conditions, but within a day, the leather had bleed its black pigment all over my shorts & rain pants and the leather at the nose had peeled off!!! There's no way I should have to duct tape a $75 saddle within 6 months of purchase - I don't care if I take it to hell and back.

Strengths: Pretty Light. Long rails smooth things out a bit more from flex compaired to standard ones. Great looking, and the gel version isn't nearly as gaudy as the Flite Gel.

Weaknesses: Not for wide pelvis people. Some might not like the very long nose. Retails for about $100 which is steep.

Bottom Line:

I just wanted to point something out to all of those who complain about weight (not that it's high or anything at 250-280 grams): Since the rails on the saddle protrude from the bottom of the shell further than standard saddles by about an inch, you don't have to have your seatpost out as far and can therefore cut more material off your post which saves an additional 15-40 grams depending on how much your post sucks. This is a great saddle for people with narrow pelvis' like myself. It really contours my body better than previous saddles. And if you've got any taste at all, after one look you'll accept that this is the sweetest looking saddle of all. I haven't had any confort issues which I have with others, and I'm not standing up in the midle of the ride to re-situate myself as much as I used to. The version with the twin-tech gel is a great saddle for the aesthetically concious racer type who has narrow hips. A bit more expensive than the Flite Gel, but this one has my preference.

Strengths: It looks really cool and all the guys who see me at the trail head think that I must be really fast cause I have nice components on my bike. I got them fooled! At least I am a cool mountain biker...

Weaknesses: It isn't as light as the other guy's saddle who just started riding last week. Oh yeah, its not color co-ordinated to the rest of my bike but that is my fault.

Bottom Line:

You better take my work for it and go out and buy this saddle. You owe it to yourself to do it.

Firm saddle, at first feels hard BUT if you intend to dorides over an hour or so, your bits that normally go numbwill thank you. Puts the pressure where is can be taken,relieves it from the important parts. Gone back to acrossbow on the MTB, 3 rides and already started trying tolocate a Fizik... will take a little getting used to.

All you tall bony azz crackas know what I'm talking about. Just enough padding to compensate for not havin any junk in yo trunk, And it don't get in your way. The nose is big enough so as not to accidentally violate yourself (you know what I mean). Pave on dee road, Nisene on da dirt, and if yo but is bony an wide get the Vitesse (don't worry it's not pH balanced for the ladies, you can use one too)

Weaknesses: the leather is pealing off on the sides just above the pave logo on the nose, only after 3 months of use

Bottom Line:

the saddle came as origainal equipment on my trek, and like everything else I have had to change out the crap that trek has put on this bike, so needless to say I am going back to salle and recommend that you do the same!

Strengths: comfortable, great looking, never the usual :), has a nice high profile, leaving planty of room between the post and the saddle, makes it easy to get on and off, very aesthetically pleasing. also liked the markings on the saddle rails... great for posistioning when you buy another saddle. the ellastomer shocks also really do help. the leather on the saddle is also very well put on, and the scuff guards are screwed on rather then the usual glue or staples, makes them replacable

Weaknesses: none that I can think of

Bottom Line:

I love this saddle, not only do I own a black vitesse, but I also recently bought a nisene with the cow lether design, not only awesome looking, but very comfortable, even for me female butt. I'll never go back.

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